cesta basica

with the coming of the rains came my temporary departure from Salvador... but because of the relationships, interviews and programs I hope to pursue in this city I have decided to focus more of my time here... I will be back in June...

a suggestion was made to me when I first began visiting Cosisa by Lina... that I provide a "cesta basica" for a number of families in the favela.... I didn't even know what a "cesta basica" was at the time.... and she informed me of the basic needs that make up a "cesta basica"... that most kitchens here are lacking...

1 kilo each of rice... beans... flour... salt... and sugar... 1 bag of spaghetti... and coffee... with a bottle of oil... makes up the basket of food... which supplies a whole family for weeks...

at first I was overwhelmed with the estimated high cost... and intense responsibility... but as soon as word got out that I was thinking of doing it.... Lina was bombarded with eager people.. everyone wanted to be on the list... 60 households were eventually chosen... and the organization was taken over by Lina and her "crew"... at that point I couldn't let them down...

thanks to a costco-like store... I bought everything in bulk and at very reasonable... really... shockingly cheap prices!!

we transported all the materials 20km outside of the city into the suburbs where Lina lives... when we arrived in the downpour...the men and boys, who were ready and waiting, came running down the mudslide of a hill to help carry the heavy bags and boxes back up to Lina's house... a beautiful sight... food running up the hills... which caught everyone's attention...

it all happened so fast that I didn't even have a chance to take out my camera before the car was empty... but I will never forget the eagerness to help... and the sight of 20 men and boys running up the hill in the rain with bundles and bundles on their shoulders...

once I reached the top of the hill... walking cautiously...I had my camera rolling as the separation and bagging of the goods began... we all began taking apart the bulk packaging and assembling the bags of eight items each... it was a beautiful sight... a well oiled machine.. where instinct took over and everyone got into action.. working as a team and at great speed... within half an hour... all 60 bags were put together...and piled up against the wall in Lina's bedroom...

the following night... at 8pm... distribution began...

to my surprise... and amazement...

Lina, her daughter and friends had everything in order.... just film!! is what they said... as they began the procession of name calling... ID checking and signing for the bags... eager to show you guys... my supporters and sponsors of this cause.... what was being accomplished!!...

and what a night it was!!
a crowd had gathered as they waited for my arrival... soon it began to rain... and the table of business was moved inside... as well as the crowd....
some chose to stay outside... women covered their hair with plastic bags... holding umbrellas... and socializing in what became a night of celebration... visiting with neighbors... and chatting about the "gringa" with the camera who had appeared one day...

some of the kids I had met and spent time with months earlier were very eager to see what I was filming... and to be filmed... following me around all night... excited... and shy at the same time...

the footage from that night is beautiful.... and I will never forget the energy of that experience... the first of many to come... I know!!

so thank you all... for making this trip... this project... these relationships possible!!... and lets continue to work together... to make a permanent infrastructure, which will continue to aid this community while I am gone...